1
as in skinny
having a noticeably small amount of body fat
the svelte dancer seemed to float across the stage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sophisticated
having or showing very polished and worldly manners
the interior designer spoke in a low, svelte voice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of svelte
This particular take on the cargo van is longer, wider and emptier than any Sprinter that Mercedes builds at its factories while weighing hundreds of pounds less thanks to a svelte carbon fiber shell.
—
C.c. Weiss
march 05, New Atlas, 5 Mar. 2026
Thanks in part to Ozempic, thin is back in, with once-plus-size celebrities sporting svelter physiques, and some already-slim stars now verging on gaunt.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2026
The sloping roofline and tapered sides give it a more svelte look over the larger EX90 while the rear features the latest iteration of the automaker’s vertical LED taillights that outline the tailgate.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 21 Jan. 2026
In the realm of mouton, his innovation was to use only the most flexible skins, which gave his coats a svelter, more modern silhouette.
—Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for svelte
C.c. Weiss
march 05, New Atlas, 5 Mar. 2026
Thanks in part to Ozempic, thin is back in, with once-plus-size celebrities sporting svelter physiques, and some already-slim stars now verging on gaunt.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2026
The sloping roofline and tapered sides give it a more svelte look over the larger EX90 while the rear features the latest iteration of the automaker’s vertical LED taillights that outline the tailgate.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 21 Jan. 2026
In the realm of mouton, his innovation was to use only the most flexible skins, which gave his coats a svelter, more modern silhouette.
—Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for svelte
Recent Examples of Synonyms for svelte
Adjective
-
Scapes grow out of the top of each garlic bulb, then coil into long, skinny, green stems that look somewhat like tender, twirly green beans or green onions.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Hadid kept her accessories monochromatic and simple, partially obscuring her face with a pair of oversized dark brown sunglasses and adding a brown leather skinny belt around her hips.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Helping keep everything under control are front Brembo brake calipers and a sophisticated adaptive air suspension with auto-leveling, a combination that gives the Acura an impressive blend of performance and ride comfort.—
Sponsored Content,
Denver Post,
17 Apr. 2026
-
While hacking is hardly uncommon in the crypto world, the Drift breach was particularly sophisticated.—
Jack Kubinec,
Fortune,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
However, as snake plants get older, their long, slender leaves may start to become lanky and floppy or turn yellow and eventually fall over.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
-
To give the entry a unique twist, a long, slender doorway serves as a welcoming focal point.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The graceful curves of Boston’s beloved Swan Boats took shape today in the Public Garden just in time for the warm weather and another season of peaceful paddle rides around the lagoon.—
Boston Herald staff,
Boston Herald,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The artwork shows a man at the center with an arm raised in a graceful gesture, surrounded by a large crowd.—
Sofia Baltodano,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
However, higher commodity and energy prices stemming from the conflict have started feeding into Chinese manufacturers' input costs, threatening to weigh on firms' already thin margins.—
Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Our strictly historical sources for Paul are thin.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Personal Microderm Pro features smooth glide caps, dual speed settings and a full range of exfoliation discs to customize your treatment.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Rousouli is equally essential to Titanique's success, delivering a Jack Dawson who balances matinee-idol charm and a smooth tenor with a fearless willingness to lean into the absurd.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Pork chops are typically a lean cut, so the meat dries out quickly when cooked past 145°F.—
Wini Moranville,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Fredericson says that exercise also supports weight management by affecting appetite, increasing calorie burn and helping preserve lean muscle mass, which is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Every element had been carefully considered, Tabitha noted, the suave austerity of the Wassily chairs orbited by antique rugs and estate-sale paintings.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Apr. 2026
-
The suave Hernández character Domingo appeared briefly but was conked on the noggin by White, who also achieved Five-Timers status, but as a musical guest.—
Omar L. Gallaga,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Svelte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/svelte. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
